Key Takeaways:
- The Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) will visit Rotterdam, Netherlands, and Antwerp, Belgium, from September 2-6 to promote the U.S. St. Lawrence Seaway as a sustainable shipping route.
- The delegation includes representatives from Minnesota Soybean, Wisconsin Soybean, Illinois Soybean, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, ocean carriers, the European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation (FEFAC), and regional economic development groups.
- The agenda features a USDA briefing on market development opportunities and discussions on the future of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Promoting Sustainable Shipping Routes
The Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) is organizing visits to Rotterdam, Netherlands, and Antwerp, Belgium, from September 2-6 as part of its efforts to highlight the U.S. St. Lawrence Seaway as a key and sustainable shipping route. The Seaway, with the availability of biodiesel, is positioned to become one of the world’s greenest shipping lanes for exports.
Strategic Importance of the St. Lawrence Seaway
Eric Wenberg, SSGA executive director, stressed the importance of transportation diversity and sustainability in grain shipping. “Transportation is a competitive business. Working closely with the St. Lawrence Seaway, our farmers and their shippers get more options and need a diversified, safe, sustainable system to ship grains,” he said.
Delegation and Key Participants
The delegation will include representatives from Minnesota Soybean, Wisconsin Soybean, Illinois Soybean, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, ocean carriers, the European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation (FEFAC), and regional economic development groups.
Agenda and Key Discussions
The visit will include a USDA briefing on market development opportunities and discussions on the future of the St. Lawrence Seaway through meetings and tours. Gail Donkers, SSGA Board Member and vice chair of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, emphasized the importance of exploring transportation options and backhaul opportunities for goods into the Port of Duluth.
